Remind me again why am I doing this?

I haven’t written a post about just running since July last year but I have been running, on and off, in the meantime. The months after July were wet, miserable and cold. I was also suffering from looking down the barrel of redundancy but I knew I had to keep active for my mental health. I know I put on weight between May and December due to the work issues I was dealing with and I haven’t been able to shift any of it since. Looking back I wasn’t in a very good place.

Once I was retired in December 2016 I was able to put more effort and enthusiasm into my running and I have been building up again. I have joined a few supportive Facebook groups, such as Running Mums Australia, the Couchpotatotofabfit community and an online group called Running Divas. I run on my own and have often said how much I’d like to be involved in a group and these are the closest I’ve come across to helping me feel in touch with others out there.

Since January I have been running 3 times a week with the days in between spent brisk walking or cycling. I think I am disciplined in my approach and ensure I get done what I have to. Yesterday I registered for two running events coming up in the next few months – the Mothers Day Classic in Canberra in May and Run Melbourne in July. I’ve enjoyed the quiet time running and walking, I’ve listened to music and felt OK about it all – until today!

Today I had a training run to do of 5.6km – made up of 800 metres steady running then 400 metres slow (or walk). I went out on my usual course in the forest, which is up and down on gravel roads, and I struggled big time. At times I couldn’t even get through the 800 metre segments without slowing down to a walk. I finished my session and came home fuming on the inside at how bad I was at running, how slow I was and wondered again why I even try to do this. I had a meltdown! I sat down and wrote this post on the Running Divas Facebook page (obviously feeling very disheartened and sorry for myself):

This is hard to write….is there anyone out there who can’t run 5kms without needing to walk some of it, can only dream of getting sub 30 mins, doesn’t want to ever run a half marathon let alone a full one, who needs to lose a few kgs but can’t, who just needs some support to keep trying her hardest to stay running, gets lonely doing it on her own all the time??? Feeling a tad sorry for myself and embarrassed that I’ve admitted all this to you but I’m hoping there’s others like me out there.

Well since posting this comment I have been inundated with lovely strangers giving me friendly advice, picking me up, sending positive thoughts my way and admitting that they too have been where I am now. I’m not alone with my feelings after all!

As a result I now feel better, more energised and ultimately more motivated. I have a lot of work to do if I am to achieve my goals of running a sub 30 minute 5km. But I’ll continue on.

Where I run

I have also revisited my Running board on Pinterest which I use for interesting blogs and motivational quotes to keep me going. I found a few new ones today 🙂

Stop beating yourself up!

You are a work in progress which means you get there a little at a time, not all at once!

So to answer my own question – why do I do this running thing?

It’s good for me to have a goal

I enjoy it.

I can do it!

I’m fit and healthy.

It’s free.

I’m lapping everyone who is sitting on the couch.

I have good strong legs.

I create positive energy when I run.

I use the running time for thinking and clearing my head.

It’s good for my mental health.

It brings me joy!

What about you, are you a runner or can you understand what I’m saying? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to tell me I’m a whinger, whiner and should pull up my socks as I’m lucky to have the ability to run, especially at my age!

Feeling much happier now I’ve got that off my chest 🙂 Next time I have a meltdown I will revisit this post.

Deb xx

PS. Did you know I have a page devoted to my Running, you can check iy out here: About my Running

Hi Deb, this just came up on my feed as I lounge in bed on Sunday morning. The hubby has just gone for his 12+ mile run and I should be moving! However it is chucking it down with rain outside and very windy and 6°C – that’s why I’m still in bed. Your post tho has shamed me into getting on out there. Which I will do….. in a minute!! At least you are making the effort, everyone has to start somewhere and build it up. I don’t wan’t to run any more half marathons, but my next 10k is in May so I have to build up to that which means getting up on a wet cold Sunday morning!! If you are back to running 3 times a week that’s brilliant from where you were. Keep going! It’s better than being a couch potato 😊🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♀️😁x

Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I am doing well considering where I was, so yes, I have to be happy with myself. I hope your run goes well and I will be channeling positive thoughts your way. Maybe the rain will stop for you. Good luck and thanks again 😊

I think it’s good to reflect on why we do the things we do -it can help remind us why we started in the first place! I also need to practice more gratitude for being able to keep fit and having a body that allows me to do that 🙂

Well done to you, I’ve had to stop running because of my Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I feel your pain when it comes to putting on weight. Although I can’t run, you have inspired me to get off my backside and do something! (something more strenuous than walking to the fridge)

Good luck to you! I did the race for life a couple of years ago having never run before in my life and my own challenge was just to manage to run the entire 5k. I did it on the day and was thrilled…Keep going and keep your goals!

I love the online community, it’s so good to find out that you aren’t alone. I’ve only recently discovered Facebook groups in the last few months and I have loved being part of them. You go girl, such an inspiration to all of us. And that photo of where you run is spectacular!!

That’s great to hear Desley! I really enjoy the groups although it is all time consuming isn’t it? I don’t really think I’m an inspiration but I do appreciate your thoughtfulness in saying so. Isn’t it funny that I see this view every day and to me it’s just a view down the road but to others it’s something different and even special. I’m so glad you left me this comment to make me aware.

I used to run before I had to have a tumor removed from my leg. I was by no means a marathoner, but I did enjoy it so much. I’m so happy to read that you got your mojo back. Keep at it. Don’t worry if you have bad runs. A good one is always just around the corner.

I run 2-3 times a week, and I am super slow! I don’t even think about it. I mean, I’d love to be faster, but I figure if I am running 5 miles that’s pretty good no matter how long it takes. Keep it up, you rock!

I’m not a runner, but I used to walk daily, and it was amazing how much better I felt. Thanks for reminding me! And kudos to you for taking such a potentially negative mindset, and turning it into inspiration, not only for yourself, but for others feeling the same way. Happy running!

Hi Deb, I LOVE running but have been plagued my injuries. If I’m not breaking a hip, I’m tearing a ligament. Yet, I continue to love it. But, I have days like you. Where it’s hard just to make one foot follow the other. I’m not planning to run a marathon ever, but I do so love the space in my brain that opens up when I run. I appreciate your reflection on yourself as a work in process. Sometimes I have to laugh at myself when I get too frustrated by what I view as a lack of progress. But, just like you say, I return to the thought: I do this for FUN! Happy Sunday!

It was lovely to read your comment Angela! I don’t like the breaking of hips or tearing of ligaments though! Hope all is going well for you. It’s a funny thing how running gets into our heads and we just have to continue on sometimes. I’m feeling much better now and think the reflection as to why I run did indeed help me out of my meltdown state.

Good for you! I’m not a runner but I do think about starting. I am afraid of going through the pain. Seriously. But I need some interval cardio to build up my fitness level and help me lose 10 pounds. Maybe biking would work better for me.

Running is something we do that is very personal and can’t really be compared to anyone else’s feelings of can or can’t. Once we figure out why we are running we move to the next level. You answered the questions so well as to why. Isn’t it something though how all of us get to that point of asking why.

Bad runs are inevitable – even for elite athletes. It happens and is usually a sign that something is off – hydration, nutrition, sleep, recovery. The goal is to have them only in training and learn from them … not on race day 🙂

I’ve been on a hiatus from running for 3 years and just started to pick it up again after Christmas. It’s not been easy and I’m still walk-running on the treadmill because the great outdoors is just too cool to consider (-16C windchill today) … but I’m feeling pretty good about it. The chances that I’ll run a marathon again are virtually non-existent … hell, I don’t think even a half-marathon is a realistic goal. However, running is back in my life again and that’s all that matters.

Thanks for this post. It’s a great reminder of why those of us who lumber along ungracefully – like me – even bother to try running 🙂

I’m so glad to hear that running is back in your life Joanne and you are feeling good about it. I’m feeling much better today after my meltdown yesterday! I’m so glad you left me your comment so we can support each other as we lumber on 🙂

I know where you are at! I took my sofa out of my living room and put my treadmill in it’s place. I wanted to stop being a couch potato. I did really good, then someone at work said to me, you should put your sofa back, that treadmill doesn’t seem to be doing much for you. Mean people just seem to find me. Every 30 minutes I walk on it makes me feel good and it takes me away from being unhealthy. That is why we run!

I’m use to odd comments. People say things to me all the time. I guess it’s the friendly face or something.
I don’t write about my treadmill on my blog but, maybe I should start and we can keep up on each other.

I’m not a runner (built for comfort rather than speed) but have always walked. Now I’m told that what was originally diagnosed as a torn miniscus in my knee is arthritis, and am now in the “feeling very sorry for myself” phase of my new reality. Your post has reminded me I need to grateful for the things I do have; so thanks, and keep running for as long as you enjoy it.

Oh dear, that’s not good to hear about your knee Su. Hope it’s not too painful for you. Yes we all need to be grateful for the things we have and for what we are able to do today. Thanks for your comment and support 🙂

Thanks Debbie. In the big scheme of things it’s pretty minor, but I’m very aware of how much my daily life involves walking up and down stairs and on uneven ground. The plus is; it’s a very good reason to lose some weight. 🙂

I decided to start running a couple of years ago…bought all the gear, even started blogging about it (i think The Artful Jogger can still be found in the blogosphere somewhere). And then I actually went running. And i hated it. With a passion. So good for you, for sticking with it, for setting yourself goals and for talking yourself out of giving up!

Ahh Deb, even before my leg injury I couldn’t have run the length of myself, so the fact that you are out there doing it is credit enough to you. Stop being so hard on yourself, think of the effort it takes to even get the trainers on and go, well you did that and then some!

100% relate Debbie. A favourite saying I know is “own race own pace”. Glad to hear you’re out there doing it. Since I hurt my knee my pace has slowed dramatically but the joy of being back running overwhelms any bad feelings about the decrease in pace. Running is what matters 💛

It is good to take stock and remember why we are doing the things we are doing. I use to run but I never seemed to get the enjoyment out of it that others do. So I have found other activities such as biking that work better for me. Glad you found what works for you. Best of luck on your running goals.

Good for you ❤️🏃🏼‍♀️. Running is hard some days, it’s all a state of mind. What I do when my mind keeps nagging me to stop is to stop for a few seconds. I then I say to my head … there you go I stopped so let me be and jog on 😃🏃🏼‍♀️

Running Brighton marathon next weekend, my first … and there will be lots of stopping involved that day 😁🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

Love this! Sometimes it can be hard to remember why we set out to do certain things, but having a strong community of people behind you can make all the difference. I’m training for my 1st Half Marathon now and I’m counting on leaning on people in my running community to get me through my journey to 13.1 as well. Happy Running! You’ve got this! 🙂

Nice job pushin through! It really does happen to everyone, especially after long breaks cuz you still feel the same! One bright spot I try and remember is our bodies can get back into decent running shape much quicker than however much time we spent off! Like really 2-3 weeks, maybe a month tops. And that feels like eternity in the middle of it, but let’s say we hadn’t run for a year!? That’s pretty incredible! And I love your positive affirmations and such pretty surroundings!

It was nice to read something I can 100% relate to you. I have been down that same road numerous times and I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your honesty and determination and drive is much appreciated.

Running is so personal. We all start as beginners, and sometimes we relapse…but we’re never alone. There was a time when I could not run a 5K without several walk breaks….I think we all start there LOL I recently just finished my 7th marathon…and I still sometimes have doubts as to my own abilities. And I sometimes (momentarily) wonder why I run at all….but I have a huge group of cheerleaders to keep me company 😉 Stick with it and keep running 😉

These are the kind of thoughts anyone who has tried running for a while can identify with; it’s very much a love-hate relationship at times. I liked the bit about trying to break a 3o minute 5k. That was my goal for ages!
(It looks as if you have a beautiful route to run on though.)

Thanks for understanding my dilemma, it is indeed a love hate relationship at times. I’m lucky to have such a beautiful area to run in, just out my back door. Did you manage under 30 mins? I’m not getting much closer to my goal but I keep trying!!

This is me!

Travelling is in my family's blood and since being forced into an early retirement (due to a redundancy) I'm making the most of my 'spare time'. Along with travel, Rotary, running, cycling, reading, photography and social media, I love to blog. The community network, continually learning new skills, and sharing ideas is a source of great joy. Other things that make me happy are my husband,our three grown up daughters and family.
Taking pleasure in the everyday beauty around us is essential to a happy life - take time to smell the roses!